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Title Silver buckle, Third Lorraine Infantry Regiment
Nationality German
Period 1912
Sold

This rare belt buckle is engraved with a crown above 'LIR' (Lothringen Infanterie Regiment), incorporating '3' and '135' (this last being the number in the German Line order of battle). There is a small silver maker's punch to the reverse of the buckle, which is also engraved with 'ERWIN KRATZ // 14.7.1912' (owner's name and commission date?).

Alsace Lorraine were granted to Germany in the peace treay at Versailles following the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71 and returned to France in 1919.

I have never seen one of these before and the style, if anything, shows massive French influence rather than any known German design. Patterned perhaps on the forestry buckles of the period.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Belt Buckles : German : 19th Century]

testimonials

My order arrived this morning, thanks for the prompt delivery.

Two excellent original pieces, I must say.

Buckle is in minty condition retaining so much detail esp plummage on eagle's neck and chest, like to see those 'creases' on the legs also... a beautiful example of an early O&C buckle.

Belt is very interesting, rather thin, CROUPON stamped and also behind the tongue...maybe Allegmeine but no SS markings as you state. Beautiful piece none the less.

Thanks for a speedy transaction Chris, I am very happy with my purchase :)

B M, United Kingdom, 26.10.2018

Thanks for selling my collection. I am very pleased with the results.

J D, USA, 05.04.2011

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